Recently closed Charlesgate nursing home will become a homeless shelter for up to 57 families
The state Department of Housing announced on Friday that the recently closed Charlesgate Nursing Center in Providence will be used as a homeless shelter for dozens of families.
The state said Amos House, a local service for those experiencing homelessness, already started moving 21 families into the facility this week from extended-stay hotels. Up to 57 rooms will be available spanning three floors.
"We are actively working to expand our shelter system, and this property will enable us to serve more Rhode Island families going forward," said Housing Secretary Stefan Pryor. "We continue to identify properties that may be suitable for shelter – and for permanent housing – across the state."
Closing of Cranston Street Armory coincided with closure of nursing home
In May, the state had to scramble to figure out where to house people experiencing homelessness after the closure of the Cranston Street Armory warming site after months of use. Coincidentally, Charlesgate announced its closure the same month. Its owner, Davenport Associates, cited "severe staffing shortages and shortfalls in state funding to sustain adequate care for its residents."
More: Called 'the social safety net in Providence,' this nursing home is closing. Will RI step in?
Longterm plans for the building remain unclear, though Department of Housing said it is "exploring the feasibility of acquiring the property rather than leasing in the future."
For Amos House CEO Eileen Hayes, the space is a welcome refuge for those without housing.
More: RI to open more than 100 new shelter beds — here's where they are
"We have seen a substantial increase in the number of unhoused families who need assistance," Hayes said. "The move to Charlesgate will allow us to provide shelter to a greater number of families, ensuring that children and parents have safe and supportive housing while we address their long-term needs."
In the meantime, the state said it's still looking for bidders on a request for proposals "for operating emergency shelters, conducting homeless outreach, providing case management services, making rent payments through rapid rehousing programs, or pursuing other related projects." More than $9.5 million is being made available for that work.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: State repurposes former Charlesgate nurshing home into family homeless shelter
